I'd wanted to get my bellybutton done for about a year before I actually did it, because, unfortunately, both of my parents hate piercings and tattoos of any kind. So, for their sake, I held off. Though I came to a point in my life, about 6 months ago, where I began to really discover who I was. What I discovered was that I am nothing like my parents, especially when it comes to body mod of any kind. So I decided to be bold enough to do what I wanted and not what they wanted. I'm a bit ashamed to admit that it took me 20 years to get to that point.
At A Glance Author Lindsey Contact Lindsey@bme.anon When Six months ago Artist Josh Studio Rebel Art Location Arizona
At that time, I had been a bellydancer for about a year, so it wasn't like nobody would see the piercing. I wanted it that way. If I was going to get it done I didn't want to be the only one to enjoy it. Also, I was planning on going to an annual costume function in July and my costume had me wearing a corset that would show my bellybutton. To me, this was the perfect time to show off a new piercing. So I planned to get it done a couple months before then to give it time to heal a bit and for me to get used to it. I spoke to a friend of mine who'd had some tattooing done by a certain studio and she agreed to take me over there for my piercing. The place she took me had formerly been known as Clan Tatu, I believe (but don't quote me on it) but is now known as Rebel Art.
My first impression of this studio was a very good one. It was clean, open and sunny. The girl behind the desk was very friendly and helpful. We were the only ones there at first and so it was simple getting in right away to get it done. I told her I wanted my bellybutton pierced and she whipped out the forms for me to sign and brought out the jewelry I had to choose from. I picked out a titanium piece with a dark purple jewel on the bottom ball (a color that would match my costume).
After I filled out all the paperwork Josh came out and introduced himself. He was also very friendly and easy to talk to. He took me back, and while he was doing the procedure he made sure to step everything out for me, tell me exactly what tool did what and when he'd be using them. I've never been squicked by the idea of needles or piercings, so all of that step-out wasn't necessary, but it was definitely nice anyway. He had me stand against one wall with my hands above my head while he marked out where the piercing would go. Then he showed me in a mirror. Once I had confirmed that it would look good he had me lay down on the table in the center of the room and prepared it with clamps and such. The entire time he was talking to me and making sure I was all right, telling me that if I felt dizzy to tell him. He made me feel more relaxed by telling me some funny stories about people he'd worked on, and before I knew it, it was done.
There was very little pain, just a slight pinch when he put the needle through, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. The worst of it was definitely when he had me take three slow deep breaths, telling me that on the third one he's put the needle through. The anticipation was killing me! He cleaned it up, made sure I was doing ok and then he took me back out to the front and proceeded to tell me everything I needed to know about taking care of it. He gave me a full pamphlet stepping out all of the do's and don'ts and his number in case there were any problems. But there wasn't.
It's been probably about 6 months now since I've had it done and everything is healing up great. I love my piercing, it may have been a bit rocky at first when I kept accidentally bumping it, but now I'm used to it being there. So it's all smooth sailing. I'd definitely recommend Josh and the folks over at Rebel Art. I plan on going back and taking a friend of mine.
My parents weren't very pleased, but they took it all right. They have at least stopped frowning with disappointment every time the see me. Hopefully they'll get more and more used to the idea with every new mod I come home with. I plan on having a lot more done in the future! One little bellybutton piercing is just the beginning to me discovering myself.